Lincoln Riley thought the Trojans’ first scrimmage of fall camp was adequate. He counted close to 90 team reps — mostly offense against the defense; Riley said special teams aren’t far enough in install to be “competitive” — and felt like the coaching staff got a decent look at just about everyone on the roster.

Second-year safety Zion Branch was a major standout.

“Zion Branch had a pick-six and a forced fumble,” Riley said. “Really showed up well. I thought he made some outstanding plays. If you ask me the one guy who really stood out in (the scrimmage), it was certainly Zion.

“Pretty cool, obviously, with his story and he didn’t have the ideal start to his career with the injury and just kind of fighting back from that, physically and mentally. So, it’s been kind of cool to see him really gain some momentum here the last several practices.”

The Vegas native missed his entire freshman season last fall after suffering a lower-body injury in fall camp. He was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school and might have been able to play his way onto the field at some point last fall.

Branch was a participant in spring ball earlier this year, and told reporters then he was ready to contribute anywhere.

“I feel like I can help all around,” Branch said. “Last year getting to watch the defense really just helped me see a vision of where I can see myself contribute at. But, anywhere the coaches need me, I feel like I can fill those spots.”

USC has a group of experienced returning safeties in All-American Calen Bullock, Max Williams, and Bryson Shaw. Bullock will be on the field, but Riley labeled the free safety spot as one that is very much up for grabs on Tuesday. As are both corner spots.

Given USC’s struggles on defense to close out last season, competition was to be expected. But for someone like Branch, it’s a welcome sight this close to the season. Show out in a few more scrimmages and there will certainly be a role when the campaign begins on Aug. 26.